The New York Times just did a piece on this very question — and the answer is basically “no.” Michael Phelps is still a big deal (especially since he could break the record for most medals ever by a Summer Games athlete) but Ryan Lochte is THE BIG DEAL, especially for advertisers.

I think this is a little sad…these people are talented uber-athletes, but presenting them this way seems to just put them on par with every other Vogue model, ie, valued for how they LOOK, not what their accomplishments are. Unless being young and good-looking has now become an accomplishment.

I disagree – I was excited to see such accomplished people on the cover of Vogue! Would it be better if Vogue only featured people known for being young and good-looking (i.e., models)? I think this is a step in the right direction.

Vogue has been doing their Olympic themed issues for the past few Olympics. This first time I recall them putting only athletes on the cover. I think it’s fantastic! . They are beautiful because they are strong and fit! Even in past issues Vogue has always done a spectacular job in using athletes as models.

There are women on the cover? Oh! There are! Silly me. Ryan had me at the t-shirt he wore around at a meet that had Barney Rubble on it which said “I’ll make your Bedrock.” And, yes, some of us are still talking about Michael Phelps, despite the fact that he isn’t going for 8 golds this time…. And while we are discussing the US Men’s Swim Team – Let’s not forget Ricky Berens who made “wardrobe malfunction” a positive thing. Hurry up July!

It never occurred to me that they would need to photoshop an Olympian athlete! Ug. Sometimes I do wish there was a regulation that stated in small print on the cover that it had been photoshopped or altered. And then photographers could compete to see who could do the best work without photoshopping. I know, I know–the horse is out of the barn. Editors will not give up their magical tools. It still makes me mad a bit. That said, those are very pretty suits on them and they look proud and happy, not empty-eyed and starved. And look! Smiles.